Yorkshire & Humber Health Chiefs Say More Reasons Than Ever To Quit Smoking in 2026

Thousands along the Yorkshire Coast are planning fresh starts and healthier habits for the new year.

If quitting smoking is on your list of resolutions, local Health Chiefs say you’re not alone.

Based on an average price of £16.45 per pack, a pack-a-day smoker spends over £6,000 per year.

Jeremy started smoking when he was 14:

 "All the time. At the back of your mind, it's subconscious. You're worried about things like cancer, and that's all. As a smoker, I wouldn't even say that word. It's your biggest fear, but you won't, it's like that elephant in the room. The thing is you're smoking and stuff and you just, you want to ignore it. And I went to my doctor eventually.

"I went and got a chest x-ray. I sat down with my doctor and I'm, I think I'm dying. Yes and my doctor said there's this thing called smoke free. Would you want to give that a go? It's the best thing I've ever done. Not to be too dramatic, but it's extended my life. Accepct to get set in your mind to do it and it's easier than you think."

New data from the University College London Smoking Toolkit Study reveals that the rising cost of smoking has become one of the most powerful motivators for quitting in Yorkshire and the Humber—alongside health concerns and encouragement from family and friends.

According to aggregated data from January 2022 to September 2025, nearly 30% of smokers in the region who attempted to quit cited “smoking was too expensive” as a key reason. This mirrors national trends but is particularly pronounced locally, reflecting mounting pressure on household budgets.

Insights from the UCL Smoking Toolkit Study (2022–2025) show the most common motivations for quit attempts in Yorkshire and the Humber:

1. Smoking Is Too Expensive (29.8%)
   With the average pack now costing £16.45, a pack-a-day habit burns through over £6,000 a year. Even half a pack daily costs around £3,000 annually.
2. Health Problems at the Time (21.1%)
   Immediate health concerns—such as illness or smoking-related symptoms—prompt many to take action.
3. Influence from Family, Friends, or Children (14.4%)
   Words of encouragement and concern from loved ones remain a powerful trigger.
4. Knowing Someone Else Who Was Stopping (7.5%)
   Seeing others succeed inspires quit attempts, proving the value of positive role models.
5. General Health Warnings and Advice
   While less common, warnings on cigarette packs and advice from health professionals still play a role.

Scott Crosby, Associate Director, Centre for Excellence in Tobacco Control, Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership says:

“Smoking is burning a hole in people’s pockets like never before. With a single pack now costing over £16, someone smoking daily could see more than £6,000 go up in smoke every year. It’s no wonder cost has become the top reason people are deciding to quit. But it’s not just about the money—health concerns and encouragement from friends and family are also driving change. If you’re thinking about quitting, now is the perfect time to take that step.”

Jillian wanted to stop for her son- but didn't think it was possible:

 "I genuinely thought I would have this addiction until I died, probably of a smoking related illness. And then I saw something about the app somewhere and I read something that said If you stick to a habit for 28 days, you're more likely. And in the end I thought, I'll give it 28 days. By the end of the 28 days, I could breathe better.

"I hadn't heard my son say for 28 days, mommy, I don't want you to die. And it didn't smell anymore, and I wasn't burning holes in my own clothes and I wasn't spending all of this money and I didn't feel guilty. I couldn't believe it. When the six months came up and the app said, you've been six months. And I was like, wow."

Dr Sarah Jackson, Principal Research Fellow, UCL Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group says:

"Financial concerns are increasingly influencing decisions to quit smoking in Yorkshire and the Humber, as rising tobacco prices add to wider cost-of-living pressures. However, cost is not the only reason that people decide to quit – health concerns and encouragement from family, friends and social networks also play an important role. Understanding this combination of motivations helps us tailor more effective support and messaging, so more people can quit for good."

Visit https://www.yesquit.co.uk for practical tips, local support and resources to help you quit for good. Whether you want free one-to-one support, stop smoking treatments, or a tailored quit plan, you’ll find everything you need at https://yestoquit.co.uk